The devastation on
corals reefs in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park off here
caused by the 1997 Greg storm will hopefully be recovered with
the planting of 200 reef balls in the area.

The pilot project by Sabah Parks, costing
RM400,000, is to restore ailing coral reefs and create new
marine life in the park, which consists of five islands.

Successful in protecting sea turtles in other
projects, the reef balls are also expected to prevent fishing
trawlers from entering the protected area as well as beach
erosion.

The reef balls, weighing 2,722kg each and
1.37metres in height, have sharp and coarse textured surfaces.
They are capable of ripping trawling nets but ideal for coral
formation and encouraging marine growth.

The project
was launched today by Tourism Culture and Environment Deputy
Minister Datuk Karim Bujang at the Manukan island, the most
popular island in the park.